10 spooky events in Oak Park/River Forest for Halloween fun

My social media feed is filled with photos of kids at pumpkin patches, parents drinking cider beers and lawns decorated with giant spiders and webs. Halloween is one of my favorite celebrations and getting ready for the spookiest day of the year brings me more joy than enjoying a cup of coffee in my PJ’s on any given Sunday. And that is dang near impossible to rival when you are the mother of three little boys.

The holiday is at the top of my list for so many reasons. First, you basically celebrate it the entire month of October. Also, the weather is still mild. Most years, you can help your children carve pumpkins, attend spooky fall fests and crash haunted parades while wearing jeans and a light sweater. I call that a win.

Here are 10 events in the nearby western suburbs to get the most out of the last half of October:

Pick up a map and sticker card at the Visitor’s Center at 1010 Lake Street in Oak Park; the Pumpkin Trail guide map will lead you into different shops around the downtown area to gather healthy green treats. Decorate pumpkins, listen to live music on Marion Street, get your face painted and stop in to Lake Street Theater for a free screening of “Minions” at 10 a.m.

The Park District of Oak Park is hosting a scenic run/walk around Oak Park. This event features a 5K walk/run, a 10K run and the Youth Mile for kids ages 7-14. The 10K passes by eight Frank Lloyd Wright buildings! *Register asap as spots fill up quickly.